Chain Omega-3 Research Articles

Fatty Acid Profiles and Lipid Oxidation Status of Sun Dried, Deep Fried, and Smoked Sardine (Rastrineobola argentea) from Lake Victoria, Tanzania

ABSTRACTFreshwater fishes contain long chain omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of highest nutritional value. PUFAs in fish are susceptible to oxidative damage during processing and subsequent storage. Sardines (Rastrineobola argentea) are an important fish species of Lake Victoria, constituting 72.3% of the total landings by weight on the Tanzanian side of the lake. Fatty acid profiles and lipid oxidation status of sun-dried, deep-fried, and smoked sardines were investigated. Lipid oxidation was assessed by peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and free fatty acids. Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. The three omega-3 PUFAs: docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5n-3), and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20: 5n-3) contributed 57–60, 63, and 38% of PUFAs in sun-dried, smoked, and deep-fried sardines, respectively. Lipid oxidation reactions were more pronounced in sardines dried on sand and rocks, with TBARS values 97.87 and 84.18 µmolMDA/kg, respectively. The polyene index was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in deep-fried sardines, indicating lower retention of PUFAs in the product. Lake Victoria sardines are a rich source of omega-3 PUFAs. PUFAs in sun-dried sardines are prone to oxidative damage. Smoking resulted in relatively higher retention of omega-3 fatty acids in products.

The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on clinical and paraclinical features of intractable epileptic patients: a triple blind randomized clinical trial

Long chain omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) supplements have been shown to exert beneficial effects in patients with epilepsy through elevation of seizure thresholds and dampening of inflammatory responses. In this triple blind randomized, placebo-controlled parallel group trial of omega-3 FA supplementation, 180 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 120 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as well as placebo capsules were administered twice a day in 50 patients with refractory seizure during a 16-week period respectively. Seizure frequency and duration were reduced after completion of the treatment in the supplement group. The supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations. Further studies are needed to compare different omega-3 FA compositions and determine the most effective dose and treatment duration as well as the long term benefits of this supplementation.

Marine Oomycetes (Halophytophthora and Salispina): A Potential Source of Fatty Acids with Cytotoxic Activity Against Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells (MCF7).

Marine oomycetes are ubiquitous, fungus-like eukaryotes known to produce fatty acids with potential anticancer activity. The long chain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are currently popular and considered as safe when used as nutraceuticals in cancer treatment. In this study, crude fatty acids from three marine oomycetes, Halophytophthora spp. (T12GP1 and T12YBP2) and Salispina hoi (USTCMS 1611), were explored for their cytotoxic and apoptotic potentials against human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (HDFn). Extracts from mycelia mats consisted of diverse saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic, α-linolenic, γ-linolenic, eicosatrienoic and eicosapentaenoic acids. The crude fatty acids from all three oomycetes in in vitro assays for cytotoxicity showed no toxicity (30% toxicity values) on HDFn cells. On MCF7 cells, however, IC50 values of 23.44, 15.63, and 26.15 µg/mL were obtained with extracts from Halophytophthora T12GP1 and T12YBP2 and S. hoi, respectively. Treated MCF7 cells exhibited deformed cell membrane in MTT assay and also aggregation of DNA and disruption of nuclear membrane aggregation in nuclear staining; further, green signals indicative of apoptosis was recorded in caspase 3/7 assay.

Innovations in Value-Addition of Agricultural By-Products in Uganda

The purpose of this review was to profile the existing innovations in the value addition of agricultural by-products and suggest innovations that could yield more value-added products from the available agricultural by-products in Uganda. These by-products were from crops, livestock, fish and forestry sub-sectors. The review indicated 7.8 million tons from the crops’ subsector, 6.69 million skins and hides, 2280 million tons of cow dung and 390,550 tons of chicken dung from the livestock subsector, 36,000 tons from the fish subsector and 440,000 m3 of sawdust and offcuts from the forestry sub-sector. Current innovations in value-addition of agricultural by-products included the making of briquettes, organic fertilizers, biogas, biochar, pellets and organic pesticides from the crop subsector. Cow dung from the livestock is used for plastering walls of houses, used as fertilizer and used for the production of biogas. Chicken droppings are as well used as fertilizer and for production of biogas. Fish frames and skins are mainly consumed in smoked form whereas trimmings are usually rolled into fish balls and then fried for people to eat while the fats are used for frying the fish balls. Sawdust has been mixed with cement to make wood-cement composite bricks that reduce the overall weight of the building. It is also being used as feed in the Indigenous Micro-Organisms (IMO) technology in the production of pigs. Proposed innovations include the use of bones to produce soft tissue, buttons, knife handles and bone meal. Blood can be used in making adhesives and fertilizers while fish oil is a major dietary source of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and so can be utilized to enrich different food products.

Heart Rate Variability: A Potential Tool for Monitoring Immunomodulatory Effects of Parenteral Fish Oil Feeding in Patients With Sepsis.

Fish oil, rich in the very-long chain omega (ω)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), has been found to have immunomodulatory effects in different groups of critically ill patients. In addition, its parenteral administration seems to attenuate the inflammatory response within 2 to 3 days. The activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway has been suggested to mediate such immunoregulatory effects. As different experimental studies have convincingly illustrated that enhanced vagal tone can decrease pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, novel monitoring tools of its activity at the bedside could be developed, to evaluate nutritional manipulation of immune response in the critically ill. Heart rate variability (HRV) is the variability of R-R series in the electrocardiogram and could be a promising surrogate marker of immune response and its modulation during fish oil feeding, rich in ω-3 PUFAs. Heart rate variability is an indirect measure of autonomic nervous system (ANS) output, reflecting mainly fluctuations in ANS activity. Through HRV analysis, different “physiomarkers” can be estimated that could be used as early and more accurate “smart alarms” because they are based on high-frequency measurements and are much more easy to get at the bedside. On the contrary, various “biomarkers” such as cytokines exhibit marked interdependence, pleiotropy, and their plasma concentrations fluctuate from day to day in patients with sepsis. In this respect, an inverse relation between different HRV components and inflammatory biomarkers has been observed in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, whereas a beneficial effect of ω-3 PUFAs on HRV has been demonstrated in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, in this article, we suggest that a beneficial effect of ω-3 PUFAs on HRV and clinical outcome in patients with sepsis merits further investigation and could be tested in future clinical trials as a real-time monitoring tool of nutritional manipulation of the inflammatory response in the critically ill.

Fish Oil Derived Omega 3 Fatty Acids Suppress Adipose NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling in Human Obesity.

ContextThe NRLP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein danger-sensing complex that serves as a critical link between obesity-related adipose inflammation and insulin resistance and has been shown in animal models to be inhibited by fish oil-derived long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA).ObjectiveWe conducted a clinical trial and in vitro experiments to test our hypothesis that n-3 PUFA suppress NLRP3 inflammasome in human obesity through downregulation of inflammasome gene expression in adipocytes and macrophages.DesignPlacebo-controlled clinical trial and in vitro coculture experiments with primary human adipocytes (from biopsy specimens) and human THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages treated with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) vs vehicle control.SettingGeneral community, research laboratory.Patients and Other ParticipantsObese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2), nondiabetic males and females age 18 to 50. N = 25.InterventionsClinical trial: Eight-week treatment with 4 g Lovaza (EPA and DHA) or placebo. Cells culture: EPA and/or DHA at 100 µg/mL or vehicle control in culture medium.Main Outcome MeasuresAdipose tissue or adipocyte/macrophage mRNA expression of IL-1β and IL-18 and circulating IL-18 levels.ResultsTreatment of obese human subjects with fish oil supplements reduced expression of adipose inflammatory genes including inflammasome-associated IL-18 and IL-1β and circulating IL-18 levels. Both EPA and DHA reduced inflammasome gene expression in obese human adipose and human adipocyte and macrophages.Conclusions N-3 PUFA reduce NLRP3 inflammasome in human adipose through downregulation of gene expression in adipocytes and monocytes/macrophages and has potential as nutritional therapeutic agent in prevention of obesity-related inflammation.

Effects of Long Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Brain Function in Mildly Hypertensive Older Adults.

Purported benefits of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCn-3PUFA) for brain function may be attributable, at least in part, to improved cerebral perfusion. A pilot randomised controlled trial was undertaken to investigate effects of taking a DHA-rich fish oil supplement for 20 weeks on cerebrovascular function, mood and cognitive performance. Borderline hypertensives aged 40–85 years with low habitual LCn-3PUFA intake took four capsules/day of EPAX (1600 mg DHA + 400 mg EPA) or placebo (corn oil). Cerebrovascular function was assessed at baseline and after 20 weeks in 38 completers (19 on each supplement) using transcranial Doppler ultrasound of blood flow in the middle cerebral artery at rest and whilst performing a battery of cognitive tasks (neurovascular coupling). The primary outcome, cerebrovascular responsiveness (CVR) to hypercapnia, increased 26% (p = 0.024) in women; there was no change in men. In contrast, neurovascular coupling increased significantly (p = 0.01 for the overall response) in men only; the latter correlated with an increase of EPA in erythrocytes (r = 0.616, p = 0.002). There was no associated improvement of mood or cognition in either men or women. These preliminary observations indicate that LCn-3PUFA supplementation has the potential to enhance blood flow in the brain in response to both hypercapnic and cognitive stimuli. Future studies should examine differential effects of EPA and DHA and take account of the gender differences in responsiveness to supplementation.

A randomised controlled trial of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the management of rotator cuff related shoulder pain

Study designMulticentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial.ObjectivesTo compare the effectiveness of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as part of the management for people diagnosed with rotator cuff related...

Curcumin alleviates postprandial glycaemic response in healthy subjects: A cross-over, randomized controlled study

In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a single dose of curcumin and/or fish oil on postprandial glycaemic parameters in healthy individuals. This was a randomised, placebo-controlled and crossover study. Sixteen (n = 16) volunteers were randomised to receive placebo, curcumin (180 mg) tablets, fish oil (1.2 g long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) capsules and curcumin + fish oil prior to a standard meal on 4 test days separated by a week. Blood glucose, serum insulin and triglycerides were measured at intervals between 0–120 min. Difference between the treatments was measured using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and pair-wise comparisons using Wilcoxon signed-rank or paired t-test as appropriate. Postprandial glucose concentrations were significantly lower in the curcumin (60.6%, P = 0.0007) and curcumin + fishoil group (51%, P = 0.002) groups at 60 min from baseline. Compared with placebo, area under the curve (AUC) for change in blood glucose concentration was reduced by curcumin (36%, P = 0.003) and curcumin + fishoil (30%, 0.004), but not fish oil alone (p = 0.105). Both curcumin (P = 0.01) and curcumin + fishoil (P = 0.03) treatments significantly lowered postprandial insulin (AUC) by 26% in comparison with placebo. Curcumin, but not fish oil, reduces postprandial glycaemic response and insulin demand for glucose control.

A diet enriched in longer chain omega-3 fatty acids reduced placental inflammatory cytokines and improved fetal sustainability of C57BL/6 mice

Omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important regulators of inflammatory response that may impact pregnancy outcome. The effects of breeding chow diets containing n-3 PUFA from either fish oil (FO) or soybean oil (SO) were investigated on tissue fatty acid composition, inflammatory cytokines and pregnancy outcome. Female C57BL/6 mice (7 weeks old) were fed FO or SO diets for 2 weeks before mating and throughout pregnancy. Animals were sacrificed before and during pregnancy at day 6.5, 12.5 and 18.5. The FO diet increased the incorporation of n-3 PUFA in placenta, with a concomitant decrease in the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The FO diet increased the mRNA expression of placental specific PUFA transporter, which coincided with accretion of n-3 PUFA in fetal brain. Sites of fetal resorption were noticeable in the SO group but not in the FO group. N-3 PUFA may improve fetal sustainability via altering cytokine levels.

Responses to a GP survey: current controversies in diet and cardiovascular disease

BackgroundWhen advising patients on diet and health, the general practitioner (GP) makes judgements based on the evidence available. Since current evidence on diet and cardiovascular disease is conflicted and confusing, we surveyed the current consensus amongst GPs. The aim of this study was to determine the views of GPs on dietary saturated fat, carbohydrates and long chain omega-3 fatty acids in the management of cardiovascular disease.MethodAn online questionnaire inviting participants to comment on seven contentious statements on diet and cardiovascular disease. Questionnaire circulated to the 1800 members of South West Thames Faculty of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). Participants were invited to tick “Agree”, “Disagree” or “Not sure” and were encouraged to add comments for each question. The results were analysed with a combination of statistical analysis and thematic analysis of comments.ResultsThere were 89 responses. Most GPs seem well aware that drug treatment alone is inadequate and that dietary advice is important. However, there was considerable disagreement about the roles of saturated fats and carbohydrates in cardiovascular disease and “Not sure” responses ranged from 12 to 40.7%. The 40.7% related to a statement on long chain omega-3 fatty acids. Analysis of comments revealed more opinions including an awareness of the need to warn patients about trans-fatty acids.ConclusionsAlthough the GP response rate was poor, responders do seem to see dietary advice as part of their role but do not consider themselves as experts. Education in this area should have a higher priority.

Abstract 1272: Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation enhances the response of PC-3 prostate cancer cells to enzalutamide

Abstract Prostate cancer is currently the second leading cause of death from cancer among men in the United States. Initial treatments generally focus on hormone therapy to inhibit the production of androgens, but most prostate cancers eventually become castration resistant and no longer respond to androgen-suppression therapy. The recent development of drugs that inhibit androgen binding to the androgen receptor (AR) have proven effective in treating castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Studies in our laboratory have shown that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6 n-3), a long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), inhibits tumorigenesis in both androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and androgen-independent (PC-3, DU145) prostate cancer cell lines in culture. Moreover, in vivo studies with n-3 PUFA supplementation have been shown to significantly reduce tumor growth of PC-3 and DU145 compared to corn oil diets rich in linoleic acid, (C18:2, n-6). With evidence suggesting that n-3 PUFA dietary supplementation can inhibit tumorigenesis in CRPC, the current study investigated the impact of DHA supplementation in combination with enzalutamide in PC-3 tumor cells. Enzalutamide is a Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for patients with metastatic CRPC. Enzalutamide acts by interrupting the binding of androgens to the AR, which influences the AR signaling pathway–a target of interest in CRPC treatment. Cell viability was determined by measuring intracellular ATP in PC-3 cells treated with DHA and enzalutamide alone and in combination. Cell viability was reduced with the combination of DHA and enzalutamide compared to enzalutamide or DHA alone, suggesting that DHA enrichment can augment enzalutamide therapy with PC-3 cells in vitro. Studies have also shown that combinatorial treatments with enzalutamide and HIF-1α inhibitors result in synergistic inhibition of CRPC tumor proliferation, and our laboratory has shown that DHA inhibits HIF-1α by decreasing intracellular ATP in breast and lung cancer cells in vitro. These results serve as a prelude to a pilot clinical trial to evaluate the effects of nutritional supplementation with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids on enzalutamide inhibition of CRPC. Citation Format: Irvin V. Ma, Andrew R. Cooper, Ying Hu, Arianne G. Sorreta, Palvinder K. Bains, Prem Kumar, Ronald S. Pardini. Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation enhances the response of PC-3 prostate cancer cells to enzalutamide [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1272.

The role of fish intake on asthma in children: A meta-analysis of observational studies.

The evidence is mixed on the use of long chain Omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention and management of childhood asthma. We conducted a systematic search and meta-analysis investigating the role of fish intake, the main dietary source of long chain omega-3 fatty acids, on asthma in children. A total of 1119 publications were identified. Twenty-three studies on fish intake in association with childhood asthma were included in the final review. In 15 of 23 studies, early introduction of fish (6-9months) and regular consumption (at least once a week) improved asthma symptoms and reduced risk in children 0-14years as compared to no fish consumption; 6 of 23 showed no effect and 2 of 23 studies suggest adverse effects. Meta-analysis revealed an overall "beneficial effect" for "all fish" intake on "current asthma" [OR: 0.75; 95%CI: 0.60-0.95] and "current wheeze" [OR: 0.62; 95%CI: 0.48-0.80] in children up to 4.5years old. An overall protective effect of "fatty fish" intake as compared to "no fish" intake in children 8-14years old was also observed [OR: 0.35; 95%CI: 0.18-0.67]. This meta-analysis suggests that introduction of fish early in life (6-9months) and regular consumption of all fish (at least once a week) reduces asthma and wheeze in children up to 4.5years old, while fatty fish intake may be beneficial in older children. Future well-designed clinical trials are recommended to confirm the promising findings documented in this literature analysis.

Non-enzymatic conversion of primary oxidation products of Docosahexaenoic acid into less toxic acid molecules

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is long chain omega-3 fatty acid with known health benefits and clinical significance. However, 4-hydroxy hexenal (HHE), an enzymatic oxidation product of DHA has recently been reported to have health-damaging effects. This conflict raises major concern on the long-term clinical use of these fatty acids. Even though the enzymatic and non-enzymatic conversion of HHE to nontoxic acid molecules is possible by the aldehyde detoxification systems, it has not yet studied. To address this, primary oxidation products of DHA in lipoxidase system were subjected to non-enzymatic conversion at physiological temperature over a period of 1 week. The reaction was monitored using HPLC, IR spectroscopy and biochemical assays (based on the loss of conjugated dienes, lipid peroxides aldehydes). Short term and long term cytotoxicity of the compounds generated at various time points were analyzed. IR and HPLC spectra revealed that the level of aldehydes in the primary oxidation products reduced over time, generating acids and acid derivatives within a week period. In short term and long term cytotoxicity analysis, initial decomposition products were found more toxic than the 1-week decomposition products. Further, when primary oxidation products were subjected to aldehyde dehydrogenase mediated oxidation, it generated products that are also less toxic. The study suggests the possible non-enzymatic conversion of primary oxidation products of DHA to less cytotoxic acid molecules. Exploration of the physiological roles of these acid molecules may explain the biological potential of omega-3 fatty acids.

Microbiome alteration: Potential signature to discriminate features associated with TBI vs. psychological stress

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major source of morbidity and mortality within current war zones. On the other hand, psychological disorders such as post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are emerging as the major career limiting factors for combat soldiers. A knowledge‐driven unbiased panel of signatures to discriminate between psychological stress and TBI is essential for designing precise care management. Towards this objective, the present study was conducted in the fecal microbiome in rats maintained on diets with varied polyunsaturated fat compositions, intended to nutritionally influence their vulnerabilities to these insults. Emerging knowledge has suggested a role of TBI and psychological stress in alterations of the gut microbiota architecture leading to bacterial translocation. However, the biological importance of these alterations in traumatic injury or stress is not well understood. To determine how the shift in the microbiome population is coordinated with the traumatic injury and stress responses, two animal models were chosen. A closed‐head TBI model consisting of blast overpressure (BOP) wave exposure coupled with a weight drop concussion (Marmarou method) was used on a group of rats selected to receive TBI. The anesthetized animals were subjected once to BOP (18 psi) inside an Advanced Blast Simulator (ABS), which was then immediately followed by dropping a 500‐gram metal weight from 125 cm above onto a stainless steel disc affixed to the rat's skull midway between lambda and bregma. Shams received anesthesia. In parallel, an independent group of rats was subjected to an underwater trauma (UWT) stressor model that consisted of 30s of swimming and habituation, followed by 30s of forced whole body immersion. Shams received 1min of free swimming. Existing literature and our data shows that UWT elicits PTSD‐like features in rats (e.g. prolonged “anxiety” behaviors). Before TBI or UWT, animals were maintained for 6 weeks and continued thereafter on three different diets: (i) Standard house chow; (ii) Custom chow enriched with 1% of calories as Linoleic acid (LA) and (iii) Custom chow enriched with 8% LA. Unlike the house chow, the two custom diets contained no long chain ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to offset their high LA (ω‐6 PUFA) content.The fecal bacterial populations were characterized by identification of 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) showed clear separation between phylogenetic profiles linked to TBI and UWT, respectively; however, only TBI showed some distinctions from their corresponding shams. Within each group, TBI or UWT, the phylogenetic profile linked to rodents fed on house chow showed diversion from the other two diet groups. No significant separation was observed between rats fed on either the 1% or 8% LA enriched diets that were absent in long chain omega‐3 PUFAs.We will further investigate genomic alterations within tissues that can be attributed to the different traumatic injury and stress factors and diet compositions. Final deliverable will articulate the role of the gut‐brain axis in different traumatic injury and stress conditions while also defining how fecal microbial signatures can discriminate between the features linked to TBI and psychological stress.Support or Funding InformationMOMRPThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Metabolic Engineering for Enhanced Medium Chain Omega Hydroxy Fatty Acid Production in Escherichia coli.

Medium chain hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) at ω-1, 2, or 3 positions (ω-1/2/3) are rare in nature but are attractive due to their potential applications in industry. They can be metabolically engineered in Escherichia coli, however, the current yield is low. In this study, metabolic engineering with P450BM3 monooxygenase was applied to regulate both the chain length and sub-terminal position of HFA products in E. coli, leading to increased yield. Five acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterases from plants and bacteria were first evaluated for regulating the chain length of fatty acids. Co-expression of the selected thioesterase gene CcFatB1 with a fatty acid metabolism regulator fadR and monooxygenase P450BM3 boosted the production of HFAs especially ω-3-OH-C14:1, in both the wild type and fadD deficient strain. Supplementing renewable glycerol to reduce the usage of glucose as a carbon source further increased the HFAs production to 144 mg/L, representing the highest titer of such HFAs obtained in E. coli under the comparable conditions. This study illustrated an improved metabolic strategy for medium chain ω-1/2/3 HFAs production in E. coli. In addition, the produced HFAs were mostly secreted into culture media, which eased its recovery.

Long Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation Protects Against Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide Chemotherapy-Induced Bone Marrow Damage in Female Rats.

Although bone marrow and bone toxicities have been reported in breast cancer survivors, preventative strategies are yet to be developed. Clinical studies suggest consumption of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3PUFA) can attenuate age-related bone loss, and recent animal studies also revealed benefits of LCn3PUFA in alleviating bone marrow and bone toxicities associated with methotrexate chemotherapy. Using a female rat model for one of the most commonly used anthracycline-containing breast cancer chemotherapy regimens (adriamycin + cyclophosphamide) (AC) chemotherapy, this study investigated potential effects of daily LCn3PUFA consumption in preserving bone marrow and bone microenvironment during chemotherapy. AC treatment for four cycles significantly reduced bone marrow cellularity and increased marrow adipocyte contents. It increased trabecular bone separation but no obvious changes in bone volume or bone cell densities. LCn3PUFA supplementation (375 mg/100 g/day) attenuated AC-induced bone marrow cell depletion and marrow adiposity. It also partially attenuated AC-induced increases in trabecular bone separation and the cell sizes and nuclear numbers of osteoclasts formed ex vivo from bone marrow cells isolated from AC-treated rats. This study suggests that LCn3PUFA supplementation may have beneficial effects in preventing bone marrow damage and partially protecting the bone during AC cancer chemotherapy.

Alternative Ernährungsformen: Allgemeine Aspekte und vegetarische Kostformen

Alternative diets (AD) differ from the current common mixed diet; AD are recommended as a permanent diet. These diets are based on ethical, philosophical and health promoting principles and lead to very different recommendations for food selection. Even within a particular AD there is usually a broad spectrum of versions, so that a general evaluation is only possible to a limited extent. This is also true for single AD. Vegetarian diets and partly paleo-diets have been investigated to a reasonable extent. Plant based diets are appropriate as permanent diets and offer health benefits as compared with currently practiced diets (risk reduction of cancers by 10-18% and of heart diseases by 30%; favorable effect on blood pressure and lipid profile; no risk reduction on cancer and total mortality). Vegan diets have to be critically assessed: they are linked to an increased risk of deficits for single nutrients (vitamin B12, iodine and as the case may be. calcium and long chain omega-3 fatty acids), if suitable supplements or fortified foods are not consumed.

Science behind the cardio-metabolic benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: biochemical effects vs. clinical outcomes.

Lower incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Greenland Inuit, Northern Canada and Japan has been attributed to their consumption of seafood rich in long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA). While a large majority of pre-clinical and intervention trials have demonstrated heart health benefits of LCn-3PUFA, some studies have shown no effects or even negative effects. LCn-3PUFA have been shown to favourably modulate blood lipid levels, particularly a reduction in circulating levels of triglycerides. High density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are elevated following dietary supplementation with LCn-3PUFA. Although LCn-3PUFA have been shown to increase low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, the increase is primarily in the large-buoyant particles that are less atherogenic than small-dense LDL particles. The anti-inflammatory effects of LCn-3PUFA have been clearly outlined with inhibition of NFkB mediated cytokine production being the main mechanism. In addition, reduction in adhesion molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule, ICAM and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, VCAM-1) and leukotriene production have also been demonstrated following LCn-3PUFA supplementation. Anti-aggregatory effects of LCn-3PUFA have been a subject of controversy, however, recent studies showing sex-specific effects on platelet aggregation have helped resolve the effects on hyperactive platelets. Improvements in endothelium function, blood flow and blood pressure after LCn-3PUFA supplementation add to the mechanistic explanation on their cardio-protective effects. Modulation of adipose tissue secretions including pro-inflammatory mediators and adipokines by LCn-3PUFA has re-ignited interest in their cardiovascular health benefits. The aim of this narrative review is to filter out the reasons for possible disparity between cohort, mechanistic, pre-clinical and clinical studies. The focus of the article is to provide possible explanation for the observed controversies surrounding heart health benefits of LCn-3PUFA.

Proximate composition, lipid quality and heavy metals content in the muscle of two carp species

Abstract. The aim of the presented study was to characterize the quality of edible tissue of freshwater common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), based on their proximate and lipid composition (lipid classes, fatty acid profile, fat soluble vitamins, carotenoids and cholesterol). Health risk assessment was evaluated based on the analysis of some toxic elements (As, Cd, Ni, Pb and total Hg). Proximate composition (moisture, crude protein and total lipid) was determined using standard procedures. Lipids were subsequently separated into neutral (NL) and polar lipids: Phospho- (PL) and Glycolipids (GL) by means of column and thin-layer chromatography. Lipid classes were derivatized into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) which were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Vitamins A, D3 and E, beta-carotene, astaxanthin and cholesterol were analysed simultaneously using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Heavy metals (As, Pb, Cd, Hg and Ni) were determined by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES) following a microwave digestion procedure. Protein content was higher in bighead carp (18.5%) and lower for common carp (15.5%), whereas lipid content showed opposite trend. Similarities in lipid classes distribution were observed for both species: NL&gt;GL&gt;PL. Neutral lipids constituted approximately 70% of TL in both species, as FAs profile was dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), whereas polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA) prevailed in polar fractions. Omega-3 PUFAs were higher in all lipid classes compared to omega-6 PUFAs. Cholesterol content was low (17-24 mg.100-1g ww). Astaxanthin was detected only in bighead carp, whereas beta-carotene, vitamin D3 and vitamin A showed similar concentrations in both samples. Vitamin E content was higher in bighead carp (10.4 mg.100 g-1 w.w.). Trace elements content was higher in bighead carp showing a maximum value of As (0.312 mg.kg-1 w.w). All determined toxic elements were found below the recommended value in carp muscle. The results of the present study confirmed the high quality and safety of common carp and bighead carp meat. These freshwater species are valuable sources of essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamin D3 and long chain omega-3 PUFAs. Together with the nutrients, the information for low concentrations of toxic elements makes them valuable components of a healthy human diet.